5 Surprising Benefits Of Rutabaga

The rutabaga, a close cousin of the turnip, is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. This vegetable has a peppery-sweet flavor when it is raw and a much sweeter flavor when cooked properly. The leaves are used much like other leafy vegetables, such as spinach or chard, while the root meat can be prepared in similar ways to potatoes, either mashed or roasted, while some other cultures use it as a filler in various casseroles and mincemeat. Rutabaga is also considered as a healthy alternative to potatoes because it doesn’t have as many “empty” carbohydrates. Rutabagas are low in calories and almost fat-free and on top of that, they provide a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds that are beneficial for human health. Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of Rutabaga.

Health Benefits Of Rutabaga

1. Keep Your Digestive Health. Rutabaga contains a good source of fiber. A one-cup serving of rutabagas contains 3 grams of dietary fiber. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. Fiber can help prevent constipation, making one’s bowel movement more regular.

2. Weight Loss. This health benefit is amongst most wonderful of rutabaga veggie benefits. Lots of people worked to drain the fat and lose weight but never succeeded. Now it’s time you tried this vegetable. Rutabaga is a low-calorie vegetable that resists the formation of fat. High fiber content also helps in reducing body fat. Fiber works by binding fat in the abdomen and removing the waste together.

3. Strong Bones. Rutabagas are an abundance of important minerals, such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous, all of which play key roles in the creation and maintenance of bone tissue. Osteoporosis affects millions of people all over the world, and keeping your bones healthy and strong as you get older will help to avoid this common age-related disorder.

4. Cancer Prevention. Rutabaga is a cruciferous vegetable. It contains phytochemicals that remove carcinogens from the body and help the liver process toxins. One such compound, glucosinolate, may inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Rutabaga is also a good source of antioxidants, which help prevent free radical damage to our cells and DNA.

5. Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health. Potassium is a very valuable part of rutabaga’s nutritional offerings, as potassium can help to lower blood pressure by reducing the stress and contraction of blood vessels. One cup of rutabagas contains 554 milligrams of potassium compared to 34 milligrams of sodium. This allows for easier passage of blood, increased oxygenation to vital organs and systems, and a lower chance of clotting. Combine potassium with the fiber content in rutabagas, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels, and you have a surefire way to prevent atherosclerosis, effectively lowering your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Nutritional Value of Rutabaga.

Some Words of Caution: Currently, there are no known health risks for rutabaga, aside from the risk of having an allergy, which is quite rare. However, if you are allergic to turnips, cabbage, spinach, or other cruciferous vegetables, consult a doctor to see if it is safe to add rutabaga to your diet.

The rutabaga, a close cousin of the turnip, is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. This vegetable has a peppery-sweet flavor when it is raw and a much sweeter flavor when cooked properly. The leaves are used much like other leafy vegetables, such as spinach or chard, while...

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